How you can use the articles on South Africa for
World Day of Prayer

Bible Societies can easily draw on the stories above to demonstrate the prayerful concern and commitment of the Bible Society movement to the hard-pressed sections of South Africa’s population.

The stories show how, despite the immense problems faced by people towards the lower end of the social scale, Bible-based work is having a tremendously positive effect on their daily lives.

The Hillcrest AIDS Centre, for example, allows those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS to become dignified members of society again by encouraging them to develop modest income-generating projects.

And the Bible Society of South Africa is acknowledging the daily problems faced by primary school teachers and community leaders like Gladys Nxumalo who not only does not have enough books to go round, but also encounters many of the girls becoming pregnant – often through rape.

The positive attitude displayed by Thora Mansfield is inspiring. At the age of 68, this Director of a Christian crisis centre in KwaZulu-Natal radiates dynamism, energy and strength. “I believe that nothing is impossible and that therefore we must help those in need,” she declares.

The Bible Society is also working on a translation of the Bible into the only one of the country’s official languages in which it is not yet available – which will be welcome news to churches like Dutch Reformed Church Wespoort running a self-help scheme combining practical and spiritual support.

Any of these – and the other subjects covered – can be the focus of prayers on World Day of Prayer in your country. Further information about the work of the Bible Society of South Africa can be found on the UBS website.